Team behind Nemesis to open new restaurant serving fried chicken, donuts, cocktails, and more
The team behind Nemesis always has something exciting up their sleeves, and this latest concept is no different.
Just a month after Nemesis was named among the best coffee shops in the world and following the opening of the first standalone location of its bakery brand Dope Bakehouse last year, the team is gearing up to open Bam Bam, a new all-day concept shaped by design, food, and the cultural moments that define North American nostalgia.
“Bam Bam has this future nostalgic feeling,” said Jess Reno, founder and CEO of Nemesis, Dope Bakehouse, and Bam Bam. “It’s a love letter to the food and energy we all know and love.”
Fried chicken, donuts, cocktails, and so much more
Fried chicken is one of the stars on the menu here. You’ll find it on sandwiches such as the Classic RosemaryĀ and Hot Sweet, as well as available as Popcorn ChickenĀ served with house sauces likeĀ Smoked Gherkins andĀ Cucumber Dill Ranch.
Being the team behind Nemesis, you can also expect an array of sweet treats. Specifically, housemade donuts that rotate daily, alongside house-baked pasty rolls in varieties like Honey Sea Salt,Ā Garlic Knot, andĀ Meyer Lemon.
Bam Bam
There will also be combos available, like The Bam Bam, which will feature a chicken sandwich, potato sticks, a donut, and a drink, as well as The AM Classic, which is available until noon and features a breakfast sandwich, potato sticks, and a drink.
As for the beverage program, you’ll find a similar nostalgic focus that grounds the food offerings with a playful twist. Expect drinks like the Apple Pie & Rye,Ā Strawberry Shiso Negroni,Ā Pecan Pie Old Fashioned, andĀ Hot Honey Margarita.
Of course, there will also be some cafe-style drinks as well, including aĀ Cherry Matcha,Ā Apple Pie Latte,Ā Strawberry Chocolate Milk, and a range of cream sodas likeĀ Cherry Cola,Ā Lemon Meringue, andĀ Apple Pie.Ā
A warm, nostalgic ā yet futuristic ā vibe
Bam Bam
The 2,800 sq. ft. space (which will seat 55 guests) was designed by McKinley Studios in collaboration with Reno and the team. The inspiration for the design comes from cultural North American moments, such as baseball clubhouses with warm woods, early hip-hop record shops layered with stacked speakers, and varsity iconography.
To achieve this nostalgic yet futuristic vibe, the space combines cherry veneer, stainless steel counters, and chrome leather seating inspired by 1960s silhouettes.
There will be a central communal table with a green banquette that sits beneath a sculptural chandelier by A-N-D Lighting, alongside custom artwork by artists Filipp Jenikae throughout and a dedicated retail section to further connect the space to fashion and culture.
Speaking of retail, Bam Bam’s debut collection (designed and developed by Kali Gill-Desjardins and Reno) also draws on inspiration from vintage car culture, while reimaging it through a modern lens. The brand’s bulldog iconography will be explored throughout, with each piece thoughtfully cut and sewn using premium fabrics.
The team for the concept includes VP of operations Albert Tang and long-time Nemesis Gastown general manager Tim Tumbagahan, as well as Nemesis’s executive chef Mielye Mitchell, executive sous chef Lina Serrano, head chef Rachel Harms, Gabby Ablanida, and Dope Bakehouse executive pastry chef Kevin Lucas.
The new restaurant officially opens on April 1, 2026, with soft opening hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week
Bam Bam
Address:Ā 160 West Georgia St., Vancouver
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